Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
Episodes

Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
An Interview with Clerk & Recorder Steve Schleiker
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
This interview with Steve Schleiker, El Paso County's Clerk & Recorder, was recorded on December 9, 2025. In this episode, we talk about the recent election, what Steve's office is doing to combat property fraud, and the value of transparency.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
An Interview with Vernon Stewart
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
This interview with Vernon Stewart, El Paso County's Executive Director of Community Resources, was recorded on November 25, 2025. In this episode, we talk about the creation of the (relatively) new Department of Community Resources and the value each division within that department brings to County residents.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
An Interview with Nikki Simmons
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
This interview with El Paso County's Chief Financial Officer, Nikki Simmons, was recorded on November 3, 2025. In this episode, we review the 2026 Proposed Budget, including how it is developed and how residents can participate in the process.
The 2026 El Paso County Proposed Budget can be viewed on the El Paso County website by visiting https://admin.elpasoco.com/financial-services/budget-finance/county-budget/. The process is still ongoing, but more documents will be added to the site as they become available.
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.

Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
An Interview with Meredith Nichols and Ben Bills
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
This interview with Meredith Nichols, Deputy Director for the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, and Ben Bills, Public Information Manager for the El Paso/Teller County 9-1-1 Authority, was recorded on September 9, 2025. In this episode, we celebrate National Preparedness Month and discuss how residents can prepare for emergencies.
There are many resources available to residents in El Paso County to help them prepare for emergencies. Some of those discussed in this episode include:
PeakAlerts.org - sign up for Peak Alerts
719.785.1971 - phone number to call if you need help signing up for Peak Alerts
PPROEM.com - up-to-date information on current emergencies and quick links with preparedness guides for all hazards
Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.